Classroom Visitor

PROVIDENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY!!!

The visitor who I enjoyed the most was the women who came to talk to us about the Providence Library.  I have always known about the Providence Library, but I was never aware of all of the resources they have for the community.  This particular visit made me think about my internship and how YAP's main purpose is to connect people to their communities in positive ways, and I think PPL would also describe that as part of their mission.   Most importantly though, I learned so much that day and it was all information that effected everyone in the class.  We all had questions and were really interested in getting to know more about this library and what they did.  For starters, I had no idea it was a nonprofit that mainly focuses on providing equally trans-formative experiences for all Rhode Islanders.  This means they are constantly thinking about the people they serve and how the experience could be better for them or benefit them.  The Providence Public Library puts the public first and truly takes into consideration their needs. Something I was shocked about was their technology training.  In this day and age much of what we do revolve around technology and computers. But many school systems, and families in general, do not have the money or resources to have access to update technology or training on how to use it.  The Public Library saw this problem and decided to make a change.  They have classes that students and adults can sign up for the become more comfortable with technology, especially coding.  Coding is something that can be quiet complex, but when you have that skill a world of opportunities are opened to you. The Providence Public Library is specifically getting high school students to take their coding classes which is already setting them up for a brighter future.  Moreover, I really enjoyed learning about different programs they have such as Small Business Workshop series, and Workforce Development.  These workshops make a direct impact on the surrounding community.  In one way, they are helping small businesses thrive, and when small local business are doing their best, that is when the local economy gets a boost.  This particular workshop is especially effective because PPL goes over almost every aspect of owning a business; where do I begin? discovering your business model, how to take care of books and book keeping, networking, the advantaging of the internet, and where do you see yourself going with said business.  Lastly, The Learning Lounge was an initiative that has made such a positive impact other libraries across the states, such as The Chicago Public Library, have followed suit with the program. This program is focused on adults achieving their goals through assistance with online job searched and applications, resumes and cover letter making, reading, writing and math skills, English language skills, and basic computer skills.  You do not need to make an appointment, anyone could walk right off the street and into the Learning Lounge to receive help in any or all of those areas.  While there was SO much information to take in the visitor told us all about the great things PPL does, I was genuinely so pleased to learn more about a nonprofit that i knew next to nothing about.  Organizations like this give me more confidence in humanity, it makes me believe that was are all rooting for each other and want only the best for the people within our communities.